The Colorado Keyser Family

NOT GOING TO BLOG ABOUT THIS

2012-01-28T13:58:00.000-08:00

I have gotten so far behind in the blogging and I feel very bad at how much I have missed. This blog is kind of like a journal for Kent and I so I asked advise about catching up and moving forward. The advice I received was to forget the past and start with the now which is good advice and really helps with the overwhelming feeling of so much to catch up on. Only problem is that as I reflected back on the year I realized all that I won't be blogging about.

Starting with the visit we had from Chad and Shannon and family back in June/July, it rained almost the whole time they were here but we still managed to have a lot of fun. Like a trip to Disney Kingdom....Even Noah loved seeing the princess...really that is Noah trying to smile but the girls really loved the visit.

Noah was so happy that Grandad bought him a Mickey Mouse Ice cream

Grammy dressed the girls up and took pictures but didn't buy the outfits

And even though it rained the whole time we went to Miami area we still found places to stay dry

and the sandbar had the biggest conch we have seen there yet

Yep! too bad I can't share because after that visit in Florida Shannon and I (Judi/Grammy) loaded the kids up and drove over 2500 miles to New Mexico. We stopped in Savannah Georgia where we got so soaked in a down pour that a lady took mercy on the drenched, bedraggled children and bought them all an ice cream cone. Later, because it was raining just Shannon jumped out of the car (without her phone) to run into a park to take pictures our brilliant idea was for me and the kids to drive around and pick her up at the other side, only problem was that when I got to the other side ....well I would say there really wasn't another side. luckily Shannon thought to go to a center to look for a phone, in the mean time I thought to go back to where I left her hoping she would go to that point ...luckily we came across each other....scariest part o the whole trip even more scary than when the GPS quit working.
Along this trip we also stopped at an Indian village and danced with Indians, then drove through the Smoky mountains, we saw some historic places and interesting markers, honked the horn in all the tunnels and saw the begining of some trails we wished we had time to hike.

We drove though Tennessee, Nashville, Arkansas, Texas and a few other states, We stopped at Loretta Lynn's home for pictures, I wonder where I put them, they may all be on Shannon's camera.

While in Dallas, TX we hooked up with my brother, Rob and he treated us to a trip to his friends aquarium, We saw snakes, monkeys, penguins, all kinds of interesting fish and birds and other animals as well. This aquarium is a must see if you are ever in the area.

Later that day Rob took us to his new home, mostly finished but still under some construction at the time.

5 stories high with a fabulous view of down town Dallas from the roof

I won't be telling that the purpose or end of the trip was to get to Natalie and Doug's house to spend some time with them before Natalie's baby came and then I would fly Shannon and family home while I stayed a while longer with Natalie for the birth of her baby. I won't be telling that while we were still in Dallas we got a call from Natalie saying that her water broke and that she would be going to the hospital to have the baby so we better take the shortest route to her place.

The cousins did get to play with one another for a day and Shannon and I did do the midnight Harry Potter show without Natalie. and Shannon got to go to the hospital and hold Billy and the kids got to see there cousin Billy through a window. Then they flew home.

Billy was and is a very good baby

his brothers love him very much

it was fun to spend 3 weeks with Natalie, Doug and the boys

we all drove to Amarillo, TX to pick Kent and Jordyn up from the airport there.
and of course while in Amarillo, TX you have to go to THE BIG TEXAN for dinner, fudge

and the big rocking chair

this was Billy's favorite thing to do while I was there, it was my favorite thing to do to.

and of course the reason we were there was for the baby blessing.

and because I am not going to blog about it I will probably forget all the details of the road trip Jordyn and I took driving home. The first day we dropped Kent off at the airport in Amarillo TX and drove on to Brandon and Ali's house in Wichita Falls, TX. We spent the night and then drove to the Dallas TX temple (closed on Monday) and then made it to Houston where we spent the night and then went to the Houston Temple and Jordyn did baptisms.

After Houston we drove to Avery Island, Louisiana, saw some alligators (we have them in Florida) climbed trees (what Jordyn does best) saw the Tabasco plant then
made it to the Louisiana Temple (they only do baptisms and other sessions on certain days of the week, we missed).
the next day we drove into New Orleans and walked the streets to see the interesting shops, ate some Beignets and followed a map to see the old homes in the gardens area, we found the, above ground, cemetery very interesting. We drove through the night and arrived home the next morning. Yep I will probably forget about all of this because I won't be blogging about it.

Well it may not be to important to remember that I had only been home for about a week when a "family meeting" was scheduled to discuss Grandmother Rowland's health and care. So on the same day I dropped Jordyn off at the airport to fly out to Wisconsin to visit her boyfriend Ben and his family, I also caught a plane to Utah. Not much happened in that short time but I did get to see all of my siblings and I was able to go to Logan and see Chad's family and be there for Noah's second birthday.

Then the important visit of Ben Rhodes to the Florida area. We played on the water and had some other fun times but most important about that visit is.

the engagement. This is where and when he proposed

This is dinner after the proposal

this is the proposal area the next day when we went back to clean up.

These are some of the engagement pictures that didn't make the announcement

and what else am I going to forget about because I am not blogging?

The Girls Trip

Natalie and Jordyn and yep that includes me and Billy too.
Billy met his great grandparents for the first time.

We organized and planned a reception at the Aspen Center. Found a Wedding dress and started alterations

We also were able to make it to Candace Moyse Prytle's baby shower

and have a wedding shower for Jordyn the same day

There were men at the wedding shower but they were only there for the food, they stayed in the other room mostly.

lots of friends, family food and fun. what a great trip

Another trip or two I am not going to remember is that Jordyn and I flew to Utah again in November for good friend Kelli Christiansen's wedding and more fittings for the wedding dress. We returned home in time to have Thanksgiving day with Kent and Blake at Disney Epcot and Kingdom. Then I flew to Texas to spend a few days with Brandon and Ali as June entered the world on Dec. 1.

I flew back home in time for a hair cut and packing, then Jordyn and I took her "new" car and drove to Utah, stopping and Brandon and Ali's for Brandon's birthday, then a quick stop at Doug and Natalie's to hear Natalie play her violin in church and teach the RS lesson that day then through Colorado to pick up Jordyn's things at the neighbor's house (too late to see them and too late to see our house) then off to Utah just in time to pick Ben up at the airport.

Those are the things I am supposed to leave in the past, I have been given permission to start with Jordyn's wedding, and Christmas with the family which is still going back a few weeks so look forward to those in the next blog.

MATHEMATICAL LOVE

2011-06-16T11:54:00.001-07:00

Blake wrote up this mathematical equation as a challenge for a friend and he ended up in the school paper. Here is the article and the link below takes you to the real thing.
Blake graduates at the end of July with a degree in math and then heads to Arizona to do his student teaching at a high school.

Click here for Blake's definitions for each term.

PARTNERS IN CRIME

2011-06-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Jordyn broke her foot in an auto accident on May 18th, and has to be in a walking cast for 6 weeks. She would have liked to use crutches like Miss Mrya but was unable to do so due to other injuries from said accident. Myra severely sprained her ankle jumping off of stairs on June 1st, her last day of school. She bravely went to school for her last day and then to the Dr.s where she learned she will be wearing a special ankle brace and be on crutches for three weeks. Based on the time line both girls should be free and clear of uncomfortable foot supports about the same time.

MISSION'S ACCOMPLISHED

2011-05-30T07:28:00.001-07:00

This has been a big weekend for Brandon and his family.
Friday Brandon was commissioned a Captain in the Air Force
The first video - Brandon taking his oath

The second video - Brandon is being pinned by an officer and a family member - in this case his wife Allison - representing that family and military work together to make great soldiers.

There were 21 students in the whole Nova medical profession (Dr.s Dentists, Nurses, etc.) that were accepted into the military scholarship program

Brandon with 2 of his friends

and their wives

Jackson was entertaining

Sunday was commencement ceremonies for the entire medical program
Governor Rick Scott was key speaker

Brandon being hooded

Jackson trying to fit into his dad's hat

It's a family affair
Allison also graduated this year with a degree in Elementary Education

What do you wish this person with a bump on his head!

Jackson received not one but two bumps on his head Sunday morning at Grammy and Grandad's house.

What a great weekend for the Brandon Keyser family. We are so proud of them.

LUCKY TO BE ALIVE

2011-05-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 21, 2011 Kent and I received a call from an emergency room in Burley Idaho Hospital (on Jordyn's cell phone). The nurse on the other end said "Jordyn has been in a little accident but she is just fine." then went on to say things like "she is in x rays and cat scans now" "the car was t boned on her side" "they had to cut her out of the car" by now I am realizing this is not a "little" accident. The truth was, at that time the nurse didn't know the extent of Jordyn's injuries. In the end we are very grateful that it was just a couple of deep flesh wounds, a broken foot and some bruised organs (the usual, kidney, liver etc.) Here are some pictures.

Jordyn on the ambulance board

smashed car

What's left of her seat where she was sitting

Broken foot

One of two gashes by right arm pit
(please tell me if this is to graphic, I find it interesting but Kent can't look at it)

One week later, Jordyn has seen a dentist and started repair to chipped teeth. Seen a Dr. and had stitches removed. Resumed class schedule (just in time for mid-semester finals), she uses a "back pack" on wheels to get around as she still can not carry weight on her back. She has resumed work out at the gym (upper body only). and is headed out for sushi as I write this.

EASTER WITH JACKSON

2011-05-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

Brandon and Allison went on a cruise for six days
so Grandad and Grammy got to play for six days

We took Jackson to Debois Park

and we had an Easter Egg hunt at
Imagine Station Park

The nice thing about April is the gardenias, jasmine, Trumpet Lily's and other fragrant flowers
Here are some pictures of my neighbors trumpet lily bush

CATCHING UP - FUNERAL AND A BIRTHDAY

2011-05-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

Judi Made a trip to Colorado to see, clean and organize the house for new renters

(see previous post- Colorado Experiences-posted February 14)
From there I flew to Utah for my Aunt Pat's funeral

Chad, Shannon and family came to the funeral

Then I headed up to Idaho for Jordyn's Birthday
We ate sushi for dinner

Again Chad's family joined us
we stayed at a hotel and swam

then we went to the room and had presents

Cheese cake
with illegal candles

did some serious heavy, heavy hang over

thy poor head

what do you wish this person with a bump on the head

We also played a game of Dominion which the B-day girl won
then on day two we

swam some more

Went bowling
(took a picture of frozen bikes)

and had lunch at Fongs

Fun times and my baby Jordyn is 20

TWO WEDDINGS AND A BIRTHDAY

2011-04-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

The problem with my posts is that when we take a trip it is usually 2 to 4 weeks worth of pictures, so yes there are a lot of pictures but not as many as there could be.
Kent and I flew into Utah for his brother Mike's wedding. Mike and Claire first met years ago at a computer date, Claire was a senior at East High School Mike had graduated from South the year before. They dated until Mike left on his Mission and then they went their separate ways until they met up again on Face Book a year ago.

Kent and his brothers

Natalie's husband had a meeting in Salt Lake the same weekend and because their son Mikey still flies frees Doug brought Mikey along to spend a few days with Grandad and Grammy

Mikey liked this game with Grandad
he calls it one two three.
He didn't want to let Grandad got to the bathroom

The next week Judi's nephew Chris Moyes got married to Sarah
at the reception there was dancing

fill your own candy bags

decorating the car
(Blake started it Jordyn and Wendy finished it)

Traditional fighting for flowers

After the reception Jordyn and Judi head up to spend some time with Chad's family in Logan
the neighbors had a little fire for roasting marshmallows

ha ha not really as big as that picture makes it look
but still big enough for someone to call the fire department out

Myra (and her Dad the coach) had their first ever soccer game

Noah loves to put his sisters stuff on
he really likes her bike helmet

Grandmother Rowland had a birthday and turned 85
we all met at Golden Corral for dinner

Shad and Richele sang a birthday song and gave her a kiss

Yep, as I am writing on each of these pictures I am wondering why I didn't post others. This really could be a whole lot longer, all in all it was a great 2 weeks.

Autism Understanding and Acceptance:Open Letter to the World

2011-04-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Awareness is not enough.

We (The Autism Community) need for you to know what Autism is.
We can only achieve that through Autism Understanding and Acceptance.

Awareness of autism has risen dramatically in the past few years, and awareness is certainly a good place to start. Increased awareness has helped parents get earlier diagnoses for their children, and it has helped secure funding for research. However, it hasn’t done much to change public perception of what autism really is.

This is a call out to the world to understand the people and the disorder.
This is a call out to the world to accept the people and the disorder.

You can not understand or accept the people until you understand and accept the Autism they have.

Autism is a part of who they are.

The media has focused almost entirely on children with autism – but children grow up. In a society where one in 110 children is diagnosed with autism (the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control), no one can afford to ignore the significance of this disability. People with autism are children, teenagers, adults, men, women, scientists, programmers, engineers, unemployed, in care homes … too many of them continue to be bullied, to be judged, or to just be ignored.

Each person is unique. Each person has their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses just like you or I.

The charities, the organizations, the groups, the parents, the people with Autism themselves... we ask you... no, we need you to know what Autism really is.

Today, we ask for your Autism Understanding and Acceptance.

This is what Autism is to us...

Autism means we never know what is going to happen when we leave the house. A trip to Dairy Queen is usually a huge treat, but if James is having a day where his senses are more out of sync it could be very painful and result in having to leave with no treat at all.

It means meeting "friends" at the park and watching James choose to play alone because he either doesn't want to interact or doesn't know how to interact depending on the day. It also means listening to other children ask their parents for friends to come play, but never James.

It means trying to deal with meltdowns in public places and seeing the looks on other parents faces that indicate their opinion of your parenting. And me thinking "if you only knew what I was dealing with, you wouldn't judge me".

Autism is wanting so badly for your child to express some likes or dislikes. Wanting him to tell you what he wants for his birthday, or Christmas, or even dinner. But having to be content with guessing. When he is feeling sick all he can tell me is "hurts", not where or how, and it becomes a big guessing game of what is wrong, until he throws up.

Sometimes he is so absorbed in his own world it is more work then it is worth to get him dressed. Things I know he can do for himself become major tasks because you just can't get him to focus long enough to do it. I often feel like a broken record asking things over and over again with no sign of comprehension until 30 minutes later when he miraculously goes and puts his shoes on to go to school.

And while they are much harder to see, there are so many good things about Autism. To me being "Autistic" explains so much about James' personality, his likes and dislikes, and how he thinks and learns.

It means so much more work at teaching him things that come naturally to other children, but at the same time there is so much more cause to celebrate. We get to celebrate each and every bit of progress he makes, no matter how small it is.

It means having to look so much harder for his strengths. But once we find them he can progress so much more quickly. He is such a smart and talented boy.

It means that he may not answer our questions very often, but when he does we know he is being truthful. James has never told a lie.

I am so much more appreciative of each and every smile or brief bit of eye contact.

While his social skills are lacking, I see the way he interacts with his brother and it gives me hope. He is truly concerned for him at times and worries about what he is doing and if he is safe.

Autism is a huge part of who James is. When we first found out about it the doctor told us to make sure to remember that he "has Autism" he is not "Autistic". But through this past year I have come to realize more and more that while he is "James" first, he is still "Autistic" and I don't think I would change that for the world.

PRICELESS

2011-03-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

sunscreen - $8.99
floppy hat - $5.99
flotation device - $29.99
Playing on a sandbar with a grandson - priceless

Colorado Experiences

2011-02-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

When I arrived in Colorado on Saturday it was advised to take my neighbors plowed driveway because mine had snow drifts 6 to 8 inches, but when it came time to turn onto my driveway there were several tracks, I thought I would be fine but got stuck immediatly. My neighbors are really great though and Bart and sons got my car out and Bart got his John Deer lawnmower/snow blower and cleared my driveway to the house. First disaster avoided. Sunday evening I discovered I could not find the house keys any where. Large wad of keys as we just changed out all the door knobs and dead bolts. Still haven't located them but my friend who is involved in the process does have back up so another disaster avoided. Sunday night I decided it would be fun to put the air mattress in the family room with the wood burning stove and "camp out" I was having a really great time then about 11:00 p.m. decided I should get a few more logs for the rest of the night. As soon as the door shut behind me I knew I was in big trouble, I was warned about the little button locks in locked postions and knew I had just locked myself out of the house. I checked all the doors. I was in a t-shirt and pj's and it was just a very lucky thing that I had put shoes on, I still think of this because it would not have been unusual for me to just run out in bare feet. My nearest neighbor is about 1/4 mile walking distance and they go to bed early and sleep hard. well I made the walk to their house being careful not to get my feet wet in the melted snow, I didn't know if I would have to walk out to the main road and hitch I ride to town. I only rang their doorbell twice before the 20 year old daughter answered. she was great, we looked up a locksmith, ate cookies and popcorn while waiting for them to call back, after a while I tried another locksmith, he answered but didn't want to come out so explained how we could break in with a credit card. It worked and I did get to have my camp out after all. another disaster avoided. (I was thinking I might end up on the "I shouldn't be Alive") series.

SKI TRIP 2011

2011-01-14T18:27:00.000-08:00

Kent, Jordyn and Chad go skiing

Jumps

Bumps

Head Start

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - BOAT RACE

2010-09-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Show us your boats

launching the boats

some have moved on down under the bridge

go! go! go!

gooooooo!

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - CLEAN AND MESSY

2010-09-25T16:06:00.001-07:00

Grandad was interested in the eating habits of these two.
Clean, organized, calm

not clean, not organized, chaos

you get the point

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - JACKSON

2010-09-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

Jackson had a lot of firsts at this family vacation, it wasn't his first vacation or family reunion either as he had just come from Seattle but it was the first time he saw Auntie Jo and Uncle Blake and he rolled over for the first time, we tried to get it on video but he always waited for Grammy to turn the camera off. His mom and dad will have to tell you all of his other firsts. We really enjoyed him.

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - MOOSE

2010-09-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

WHAT WE SAWWHAT SHE SAW

OUR VIEW WAS BETTER

AWE

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - NOAH

2010-09-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Noah was the most content baby, most all of his pictures are of him sitting happily in the back pack carrier with a big smile.

If you zoom in on this picture you can kind of make out the humming bird just to the right of Noah. I think it thought they were a flower.

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - THE BAG OF CHIPS

2010-09-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

We had a bag of chips that gave us a bit of a challenge ...you can see the look on the strong men's faces they really are trying hard. Sorry the video was filmed sideways but you get the point.

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - MICHAEL

2010-09-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Michael was a lot of fun. We have pictures of him offering Noah a snack but he takes it back at the last minute, he loved the water more than anyone I think but my favorite are when he notices that Myra is the one with the camera and starts hamming it up, he pulled some of the funniest faces for her.

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - THE BIG JUMP

2010-09-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

These five pictures are fun to watch if you can down load them in order and click from one to the next really fast, they look like they are in motion. If you can't I have the video from the back side.

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - JAMES

2010-09-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

James was a great hiker, always had his hiking stick. he also played amazingly in the very cold water. One time he was up to his waist in the cold stuff.

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - CROSSISNG THE LOG OR WALK THIS WAY

2010-09-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

It's fun to have a camera like Brandon's

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - LEXI

2010-09-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

These pictures show the many moods and accomplishments of Lexi, as she rescues Uncle Blake from a terrible fall with a stick and then to thank her he attempts to throw her off the cliff. She is so much fun to be with.

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - WEEK THREE - MYRA

2010-09-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

So many pictures to share and not sure how too so I thought I would start with slide shows of my grandchildren.

Myra in Colorado

In these pictures you will see Myra's famous - make me a puppy picture on my cup - cup. Myra helping her cousins at bath time and her many hiking experiences.

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - Week Two

2010-09-14T00:15:00.000-07:00

Week Two - Part Two - or Road Trip to Colorado

Teri and I left the Florida home Friday morning on July 30th, actually I think we left several times and finally got on the road about 1 hour after our original planned time. We spent a good part of the day driving through Florida. The map quest only took us on one unnecessary coastal detour and we only messed up the instructions once (in Florida).

I should let you know I have a thing about bridges
This one was on our detour but there was and identical one in Savannah

This old bridge was in Savannah

We weren't really sure where to go in Savannah Georgia
so we got behind a tour trolley and followed it through the town.

Then we found the water front
water and ships on one side of the road

Shops and tourist traps on the other. We had fun.

We drove that first day through Florida Georgia, South and North Carolina
We spent the first night in North Carolina. We were exhausted.

Funny story about the road signs in North Carolina, we were driving on a two lane each way high way and the sign was posted "no semi's in left lane" followed by a construction sign that read "right lane closed ahead" I thought it was funny, maybe it was the hour of night.

Saturday, day two of the road trip. We drove to the town of Cherokee where they have a zillion stores run by the natives in the area, we spent hours in this town shopping but didn't get any pictures. I had discovered that I left my memory card to my camera at home in the computer and hadn't replaced it yet so all these pictures are from Teri's camera.
After leaving Cherokee we drove through the Smoky mountains and it rained off and on as we went so we got to see why they are called the smoky mountains.

On the other side of the Smokys (we are now in Tennessee) we came into the tourist town of Gatlinburg. The traffic was horrendous but we saw a Hard Rock Cafe and we had to stop for souvenirs for Teri's Friend and Grandson (we also went to the Hard Rock in Florida, just long enough to get the souvnirs)

After the Hard Rock Cafe we had lunch near by at Corky's

We drove into Nashville that evening and found a hotel for the night

The next day - day three was Sunday so we didn't feel like touring too much, we drove through Nashville, took pictures of interesting things and drove the rest of the day to Keokuk, Iowa, just the other side of the mississippi of Nauvoo Illinois.

Sunday night shot of the Nauvoo Temple
we met the President of the Temple outside and got to visit with him.
Monday morning we did a session in the Temple and got a mini tour of the baptistry.

We drove to Carthage jail

Then back to Nauvoo

leaving Nauvoo and Illinois crossing over the Mississippi
(did I mention I like bridges)

Spent the night near the boarder of Iowa and Nebraska
Drove all day Tuesday through Nebraska, and Colorado,

Jordyn was already in Colorado staying at our good friends home (they let us stay there as well even though they were on their annual back packing trip in Wyoming)
We had dinner that night at our favorite restaurant in the town of Elizabeth, Botana Junction.

We drove through 11 (15 if you count the ones we hit on more than one day) States
and drove 2600 + miles.

Teri is a lot of fun to take a road trip with, Thanks Teri lets do this again.

FOUR WEEKS OF SUMMER - Week One

2010-09-05T17:51:00.001-07:00

Part One - Week One - or Teri Comes to Town

Kent's sister Teri came to visit us in Florida partly because she needed a vacation, partly because I needed a road trip partner and mostly because we have so much fun together.

We road the wave-runners

Saw two turtles released
(happens every time Teri comes to visit)

Teri loved the little car

wish we could have taken it on the road trip

We went north to the Epcot Center on this day because
storm Bonnie was causing weather in the south.

We did get a little Bonnie up north too but not enough to ruin our fun day.

Kent came with us to the Flaggler museum

Brandon, Ali and Jackson joined us at the Vizcaya Mansion

Gounds were amazing

indoor/outdoor swimming
(pool was being drained that day for cleaning but the water usually fills up the inside as well)

After the mansion we said goodbye to Brandon and Ali
and after I was attacked by a swarm of fire ants
we found our way to the Biscay Key light house

we climbed the many stairs and then continued up into the light chamber

it is sort of claustrophobic in this area

Some of the view from the top

We could actually see this Sting Ray from way up

We had a great time and look forward to future visits from Teri and anyone else who would love to see the Florida area while we are here.

Next post coming soon (I hope) Part two - our road trip to Colorado

Recipes From Old Virginia

2010-08-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

We bought a cook book that has two centuries of recipes. some from the old dominion and some from todays foremost cooks. Some of the more interesting were found in the meat section.

SCRAPPLE FOR CANNING

4 hog faces
16 feet

Clean faces and feet, and cook until meat falls from bones. Remove bones and all liqud fat, but leave right much of the other liquid. Season like sausage, and mix meat and seasoning well with liquid. Pack loosely in jars and process like other meat.
When ready to use, heat, remove from jar, and boil at least 15 minutes. Thicken with meal, using about 1/2 cup meal to one quart of meat mixture (fresh or canned). Chill. Cut in slices about 1/2 inch thick, flour well and fry quickly in small amount of very hot fat.

VIRGINIA SCRAPPLE

1 hog's heat
2 cups sifted corn meal
Salt and sage to taste

Cook head, which has been thoroughly cleaned, until meat is easily removed from bone. Remove meat. Cook broth until reduced to 1/2 gallon then cook corn meal in it. Ad finely chopped meat and seasoning. Pack in pans. Cool, slice and fry as needed.

BRAIN OYSTERS

6 sets hog brains
6 cups milk
6 tsp butter
salt

Wash brains thoroughly removing all skin in cold water. Heat milk slowly. When hot, but not boiling, add brains, butter and salt. Cook slowly until brains are done. Serve with crackers or buttered toast.

So I think they really used all of the pig. Other interesting names but not so interesting dishes are: BEEF WHITCHES - glorified hamburgers, SLUMGULLION - just a fun name, RAGGOUT - (a complete dinner cooked on one burner) actually turns out to be a tin foil dinner in a large heavy skillet.

Well enough of this for now, if I find more interesting recipes I will post them and if any of you actually try some of these let me know how you like them.

DON'T TELL THE DR.

2010-07-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

hmmm....What's this?

Don't tell

got help? (accomplice)

(not just one plastic bag but two, double wrapped and taped)

BUSTED!

(the leg, the wave runner and caught)
Just having fun

Kent's First Day Home

2010-07-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

First Things first. Cut the connection to the hospital

Home cooked Beef Ribs

Shopping for a new shower head......one with a hose ..... and a shower stool as well.

First Picture of Injury

2010-06-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

The incident or occurrence happened early Saturday morning, June 19, 2010, on the Ocean just North of the Jupiter Inlet, without to much detail we were on wave runners enjoying smooth blue water headed out to snorkel. I... stopped to communicate about where we were headed, 10-20 seconds later looked back and my Son and his wife were headed right at my boat. He was looking around and did not know I stopped and Boom…fortunately he was able to start a turn and did not hit direct, just caught the right side of my boat and my leg dead on. I spent a few minutes in the Ocean as shark bait before we gathered ourselves together and drove in off the water… Judi picked me up and chauffeured me to my week-long get away.

MAN HAS BABY?

2010-06-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

IT'S A BOY!

BYU-Idaho Student Ambassadors Guitars Unplugged Commercial Spring 2010

2010-06-16T02:20:00.000-07:00

The Story This Week

2010-06-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

We are out in the ocean and we are riding around. We stop to have a conversation and I see this big brown blob. I ask "is that a sea cow or a big buoy or what" (I thought Sea Cow because it was just floating and not making any progress in any direction) So we go over to have a look and see this big turtle. Alive but not doing to well. we called Fish and game and they called the turtle people but no one called us back. We played in the area for about an hour and no one came so we gave up and headed home. Sad story. While we were waiting we did see something with a fin keep showing up but never found out if it was dolphin or shark.

On the way back we came across this little guy

I guess he is at least 6 ft. wide maybe more he did swim under Kent's wave runner and Kent thought he was bigger than the machine.

KENT GOES TO CANADA

2010-06-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

Room with a view

Saw Five Black Bear

Trapper John

Feeding Beaver

Beaver Dam

Stories Behind the Fun

2010-06-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

The story not told about the previous post.

Memorial weekend and the inter-coastal was packed with boats, we were so glad to be able to head out to the ocean. It was a bit rough especially around the inlet. We road south to the Juno pier and then turned around and went north to the coral cove beach. Kent was playing in the waves, riding them in and then turning back out when one caught him off guard and threw him in the water. He was quite a ways away from his runner so I picked him up and gave him a ride back that's when he discovered the kill key was not on his wrist. We hurried back to where he was in the ocean and found it floating in the water Kent dived in to retrieve the key only to come out of the water without his glasses. We drove back to the inter-coast and drove down to our neighborhood, I held the runners while Kent ran home to get a spare pair of glasses and then we started back to the loading dock....We had had enough or so we thought. It was a holiday and the inter-coastal was full of police and we were pulled over just before the wake-less speed zone, we found out that the area near the beach/homes where we lived was also wake-less even though out in the canal you can go 35 so we got a speeding ticket. Later that day we called Kent's eye dr. in SLC and were able to order glasses and get them shipped next day .... just in time for Kent to use them as a object lesson at his conference.

The next weekend and a new story.
Of course the Saturday morning started out with a golf game for Kent and so by the time he was home and we were loading and heading out to launch the runners we were in a bit of a hurry to beat the storms that have been coming every afternoon/evening. We launched and then as usual I road around in circles while Kent tied his up and ran to park the car. We hadn't gone very far (thank goodness) when Kent discovered he was sinking and quite quickly. Realizing we had not replaced the drain plugs we turned around and hurried to re-load the runners....depending on the emergency I guess, because I have seen Kent handle some quite well, but not this one....first he parked his runner in a boat launch and quite close to the ramp. I was worried that he would hit it with the trailer when he backed in....he missed it but it was interesting to watch....then once loaded he started to pull out while I was still on the trailer, I held on and yelled for him to stop just I was noticing one runner starting to slide off the trailer, .....he didn't lock the winch in place so I guess it was a good thing I was still on the trailer or that one would have been stuck on dry dock. That was it for the excitement though..... we drained the one runner, (mined didn't take on water...either the plugs hold it out or it was because I was in motion). We launched and headed out to the ocean again. We drove north to Blowing Rocks and beyond. swam and raced and had a really great time. No tickets no lost glasses. Can't wait to share this with you all. Come on out and visit.

Hopefully no more stories this Saturday. If there are .... then there will be another post.

Memorial Day Fun in Florida

2010-05-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

Took the wave runners out in the oceanSaw the beach from a whole new perspective
Next stop .....Cuba

Two Weeks in Utah and Idaho

2010-05-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

When we visit our family out west it seems like we pack several trips into one. We did it again this month of May

Our first adventure actually started out spending a day with our parents. We brought some Carl's Junior burgers to Kent's parents for lunch, spent a few hours with them and then headed to Judi's parents. We loaded everyone in the car and headed out for some Chinese dinner.
The next morning we dropped by Kent's folks again and his dad was feeling better so we loaded his parents and sister Teri in the car and went out to see the Great Salt Lake. Had lunch at Apple Bee's and then said our goodbyes.

The next big event was May 7th, Chad's graduation. Chad has been working so hard on his masters and we are so proud of him. He has been working with a professor for the last 5 years on a huge project involving Crickets and finding a fungus to protect farmers plants from them. His Thesis is the size of a book and has a title to match. Development of a Laboratory-Based System for Selecting Insect Pathogenic Fungi with Greatest Potential for Success in the Field. Here are some pictures of the graduation.

The Hooding

From Collages
Walking

Our next adventure the next day May 8th, Doug and Blake drove down from Idaho early and joined Kent and Chad on the golf course, while Shannon and I took Myra, Lexi and Noah to the Farmers Market. Natalie, Jordyn, James and Michael joined us by noon.

We had a picnic in the park and celebrated Myra's birthday a couple of days early.

From Collages

and ended the evening with a swim in the hotel pool. What a great day.

From Collages

Sunday was Mother's Day, we went to church with Chad's family and then had a wonderful dinner at their home. too soon it was time to leave. Doug, Blake and Jordyn headed to Idaho. Kent, Judi, Natalie, James and Michael headed to SLC. We stopped at Judi's parents, wished her mom a happy mothers day, visited with family and then headed to Kent's parents house where we had desert with his brothers, sisters and parents.

Kent caught a plane and headed back to sunny Florida, Natalie and I spent a couple of days shopping, Natalie had her hair cut and then we headed up to Idaho.

A whole week in Idaho, spent time with Natalie's family, Blake and Jordyn. Went to class with Jordyn one day. Blake and Jordyn came to dinner a few times, we did the park a few times, and one evening we had a hot dog roast at the sand dunes. The next day was Micheal's big number one birthday.


		From Collages

Jordyn and Kelli

James loves the Dunes

Watch James in this video

My part of the trip ended on May 19th with a drive from Idaho to Logan to visit with Chad's family again. I shopped at the cheese factory, and played with my grandchildren, had dinner and visited some more and left very late almost leaving Gypsy behind.
I drove to my parents and we visited until my dad reminded me what time I should be at the airport. I was to late and missed my flight so I spent an extra night with my parents.

From Collages

EASTER WEEKEND

2010-04-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

For Easter weekend Kent and I decided to take a road trip to help ease us into the "no Easter with children" empty-nester phase of our life. we started out Friday evening and drove up to St. Augustine, a place we have visited before but thought we would enjoy again. St. Augustine boasts of being the first settlement on the United States continent, settled by Spanish settlers before America was established. (I would need to read up some more for an accurate history) Saturday morning we bought tickets for a tour ride around town and then went back to some of the places that sounded interesting. Here are some pictures.

Magnolia Street

Magnolia trees line the street their branches reaching across to form a canopy and spanish moss hangs from them.
It's really a beautiful street to drive on.

Flagler College

Largest and first indoor pool
picture is taken standing on what would have been the pool deck and looking down into the pool area.

After we finished in St. Augustine we drove west across the state to see the west coast, spending the night in Panama City.

On the way we saw a Piggly Wiggly grocery store and had to take a picture. we used to shop at the Piggly Wiggly in Texas and miss the store.

we stopped at a dock where fishing boats were docked, finished for the day, and enjoyed an amazing sunset. (we only get amazing sunrises on our side of the state)

Easter Sunday we spent the day driving home. We stopped at a unique restaurant for our Easter dinner. You have to enlarge this picture to get an idea of what this restaurant is all about. It boasts of being Italian steak and seafood, but also mentions American, international. and the menu claims our food was prepared by Chef John of England.

All in all we enjoyed the three day trip together and trying out our little convertible. We were a little burnt in spite of the 100 proof sun screen we used and we were really happy that we were only going 87 when the police man pulled us over, but we did get our car up as fast as 120 and could have gone faster so I guess that means another road trip to check her out again. Hope soon.

My Pictures of Jackson

2010-03-30T12:41:00.001-07:00

These are just a few of the pictures we took of Jackson while he was in the hospital.

This was the best with Mom and Son
(I think Brandon posted this on his blog as well)

Close up of Jackson holding Daddy's finger

Ali was discharged on Saturday the 20th
The hospital or at least her nurse was real nice to let her stay until after dinner as long as she checked out before the nurses shift was up. This was such a nice thing because otherwise she would be driving 20 minutes each way from home to the hospital to see the baby.

Friend decorated their car

Grammy holding Jackson, Happy Birthday to me : )

Grandad holding Jackson...no birthday ...just because

We are so grateful that Jackson is healthy and well and home, He was discharged on the 24th of March, same day Grandma Bingham arrived. What a treat for everyone. Can't wait to have the family reunion and get all the family together for an updated picture.

Old Is New

2010-02-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures of the "new" car

Two "Holidays"

2010-02-18T16:44:00.000-08:00

First I should mention that we had our annual Super Bowl Party

Ok, so only Kent and Judi were there and the team they supported lost but it was a really good game and we had a good time together anyway.

Valentines:

After our Sunday meeting we took a Sunday drive to Naples Florida via Shark Valley.
Some of the creatures we saw.

Mother watching over five babies (by the size they are probably about 3 years old)

camouflaged

Blue Heron

Catch a gator by the tail

driving into the sunset

Another Generation of Alton's

2010-02-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken in December 2009.
Pictured in this Photo are:

Richard Alton Keyser - 83

Kent Alton Keyser - 53

Chad Alton Keyser - 30
Noah Alton Keyser - 4 months

Orlando

2009-12-07T05:50:00.001-08:00

The annual Health Food Expo that happens every December in Florida was held at the amazing resort The Gaylord, located about 5 minutes from all the Disney parks. Kent had a Best Ball tournament on Thursday where he was disappointed to take second place earning a $50.00 gift certificate at the pro shop.
Blake, Jordyn and I drove up Thursday night and stayed for a couple of days. The Gaylord was amazing inside, like a little village, our room was like a little apartment with a bedroom a sitting room and a dining room. We had two balcony's overlooking the atrium. All of this is inside.

View from balcony at night

View from balcony during day

Stage to the left had shows several times at night

Boat behind us is a restaurant in Key West area of hotel

Friday we went to Animal Kingdom. It was cold and rainy but it made all the lines really short.

Tree of Life

This is the male Gorilla, he has 3 girl friends

Video of Gorilla and one of his girlfriends

this is another girlfriend

The safari ride was really cool. We had to do it twice because Kent thought it was pretend for most of the first time through.

We are trying to look rain drenched

Friday night we visited the ICE display in the convention center of the resort.

Thanksgiving

2009-12-07T05:35:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration, we shared it with family and friends. Those who came were of course Kent, Judi Blake and Jordyn in addition we had Brandon and Alison, the spanish speaking Elders, friend of Blake and Jordyn's - Jeff Midgley, And the Norton family including Rick and Judi, Justin and Shayla, Daniel and Judi's sister Debbie. If you are counting that adds up to 15. We set up the tables in the front room. Dinner was amazing and yummy too.
Activities after dinner included a game of chipping wiffle balls into the pool at targets with assigned points. Followed by a rousing game of scum with new rules.
I was disappointed we didn't take pictures of the dinner or scum game.

The Yates Come To Jupiter

2009-11-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

Good friends are something we treasure highly. We are so grateful for the friendship of the Yate's family, and for their willingness to drive from their vacation in Orlando to our place in Jupiter and allow us to show them the beach.

Natalie and Mckenzie were a lot of fun with and for Jordyn

Thomas loved playing with Jordyn too but he was also my buddy and especially Blake's.

Thanks Mike and Kristen for a great day with your family.

Pictures from Mikes Visit

2009-11-16T08:14:00.001-08:00

Pictures from Mikes camera taken while he was visiting us in Florida

Mike and Jamsey on the Pacific coast

Mike and Jamsey at Coral Cove
waves are are a gift from Ida

Great action picture of Blake

Sunset Saturday evening on Pacific coast

Mike has some awesome pictures, I hope he shares them all, this one should become a postcard for Florida.

LOOK WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN

2009-11-12T09:37:00.001-08:00

Look what else we are feeding along with the cat!

Two Silly Stories

2009-11-08T01:07:00.000-08:00

Finger Nails
I had a rough week with finger nails and several were broken and not looking well at all, Kent and I had a dinner with the executives and founder of the company this week, so a rash decision and I now have acrylic nails. I discovered too late that they are a hindrance when applying contact lenses to the eye and have had to resort to wearing glasses for several days. Saturday I returned to the nail place and (many women in the shop were entertained by my plight) had one finger trimmed down, I now can apply the lens but seem to have lost one trying to remove it. These nails may not make it through the holiday.

Story 2

Saga of the Flower Bed or Flower Bed vs Palm Tree
I planted flowers Friday, in front under the palm tree, not too long after the nieghbor's dog, Patches, chased Bean up the palm tree and proceeded to circle, dance, and jump around the tree, tearing several of the flowers out of the ground. Flowers replanted, watered, all is well.
Did I mention that it has been very windy this week? Well the wind blew all night and Saturday morning I discovered several new coconuts on the ground in my flower bed, poor flowers. More water and tender care, wind continues to blow. Saturday night I am headed out and what do I discover in...no on my flowers.....

The dog continues to chase the cat and the wind continues to blow, the tree has plenty more to drop so this story may have more to tell.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween Weekend Extravaganza

Ward party Blake and Jordyn went as nerds

We worked real hard to try and give Blake an Albert Einstein hairdo.

We gave out a total of 6 candy bars.
This is the twins that live across the street

Jordyn and Blake carved pumpkins

Fall Life in Florida

2009-10-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

What we have been doing this October.

After swimming and canoeing in the inter coastal Gypsy needed a bath.

She didn't want one though.
Jordyn has been known to steel flowers from the neighbors

We planted mums in the front yard

Learned farming from our children

This is Bean. She showed up one morning and has been living on our porch ever since. She tries (successfully) to get in the house every day.

Gypsy's new hair cut
Gypsy thinks Bean is admiring her new look

Grandad gave me this idea about growing a tomato upside down

Still swimming in the pool every day.

We are trying tomato's in the ground this year. (Usually I grow them in a pot by the pool)

TRIP TO COLORADO AND UTAH

2009-10-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

WEEK 1: COLORADO
I few into Colorado on a Tuesday and spent most of the next week fixing up things around the house.
Tuesday: Arrived at airport and picked up rental car. Drove to Parker and shopped for groceries. Met Mike at Home Depot and picked out tile for bathroom floor.
Wednesday: Begin floor replacement, Kristen came by with lunch, cleaning, shopping, met new tenants. Etc.
Also got to pick Mikes brain about remodeling this bathroom so we can have the shower room we want and a tub and not knock out the office in the process. Mikes idea....expand the room out. build onto the house. maybe like adding a bay-window without the big windows. Great idea.
Thursday-Friday: More of the same, work, work, work. Carpet cleaners, pool table movers, trips to the library every day to work on the internet.
Saturday: located one lid to septic tank, Kent finds the other that night in the dark. Borrow truck, trailer and tractor from good neighbors, Paula and John. Pick Kent up at airport, home in time for Tashina's wedding reception.
Sunday: Church in Elizabeth ward. Still feels like home. Dinner with Christiansen's, caught a bit of the Bronco football game. Had to leave early Bishop Bart was having a youth fireside. We had a little fire in the fire pit, enjoyed the cool weather.
Monday: Kent is able to take truck and trailer full of junk to dump yard early back by 8:00. Septic pumped, fireplace set straight, broken basket ball stand dug up, wahser/dryer moved to basement storage. Kent to airport. Dinner at Kristen's with the kids and missionaries.
Tuesday: Clean up all my stuff, pack and load car. Leslie shows me her new home. Kristen meets me at my place and takes my leftover food.
Left a list of projects for friend Mike to do. Replace kitchen faucets, replace guts from hall toilet, fix leak on jacuzzi tub so water doesn't run on power box. Flashing on gutter to stop leak/ice on porch.

We almost got to see our favorite
tree at our favorite time of the year.

The color we painted the girls room.

Had to take a picture of my favorite thing...
the spice shelves Blake and I built in the pantry. :D

WEEK TWO

2009-10-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Flew into Salt Lake Tuesday night. Car rental didn't have the "standard" car I reserved had to settle for a SUV crossover. Darn :D
Tuesday-Wednesday: Stayed with my parents. Helped my dad located a new Hallmark card program for his computer. Showed my mom how to do Sudoku. Visited Aunt Pat.
Thursday-Friday: drove up to Logan to spend time with Chad's family. :D. Read lots and lots of books to the girls. Played games in and outside, shopped, lunches out. Dinner out. Toy Story 3-D Friday night. Amazed the girls and Noah made it through both shows. Amazed I made it through both shows.

Saturday-Monday morning:Watched morning conference, shopped for food supplies, drove to Bear Lake for weekend. Played with girls at playground before the cold moved in on us. watched both sessions of conference, played with glow sticks at night, jumped on beds. (not me, really!).

Saw leaves changing, and snow on the ground.

Tuesday-Wednesday: more play time with girls....and Noah. Went to a soft play place and had fun on slides and mats.

Left to pick Kent up from airport.

WEEK 3

2009-10-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

Week 3 of my trip was the most fun. Actually it was only 5 days but the most busiest fun filled of the whole trip.
Wednesday: drove from Logan to Salt Lake.
My parents: Computer time with Dad. Sudoku time with Dad. Home made bread with parents. Visit until time to pick Kent up at midnight.
Thursday: Stayed with Kent's parents while Kent worked in Provo and Draper. Drove back to Logan. Dinner with Chad's family.
Friday: Kent golfed in Brigham with Chad and brother Mike. Swam at hotel with girls, Natalie's family joined us in time for dinner. Card games in our hotel room while kids slept in other room. (used hotel phone as monitor)

Saturday:Kent drove to Salt Lake for work. The rest of us swam in hotel pool, went to a farmers market and had lunch. Kent joined us for a trip to the American West Heritage Center. Had a lot of fun there, pony rides, train rides, chasing chickens, mazes, hay stacks, shooting vegetables from a sling. Down side: Myra broke her arm jumping from the hay stack. Freak accident but she had to go to Salt Lake to have "wires" (more like rods) put in her arm to stabilize the bone. Dinner that night and then more card games back at hotel.
The infamous hay stack

Sunday: was almost canceled due to the broken arm but amazingly Myra was released very early in the morning and Chad's family was able to make it back to Logan in time to bless their baby Noah. Nice meeting followed by dinner at Golden Corral (Shannon planned a nice dinner but but with the trip to the hospital and all..... The restaurant was a nice back up plan though) I've posted just a few of my favorite pictures but Natalie has done a really nice slide show just click here. It's worth the visit.
Sunday continued: Kent's family got together at his parents, nice visit with everyone. Took Kent to airport at midnight. Back to my parents for the night and next day.

Monday: Set my dad's computer up with firefox and quick link tabs. drove out to Farmington to see sister Sue's new yard. (really Nice). She has water falls, fountains, ponds and streams and the only picture I have is of her ducks by the shed. What a miss. Take my word for it her yard is beautiful. (Grandad send me some pictures to post)

Dinner and card games with my parents. had a really great time.

Swinging From Trees

2009-08-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

Need I say more
.

Shuttle

2009-08-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Friday night space shuttle launch was a success. Kent and I were at the beach, we watched our clocks and at 11:59 we looked up and the northern sky turned red, we watched and then the shuttle appeared. It's different every time.

Life is Tough

2009-08-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Friday watching the news and weather we thought we would plan our Saturday around Hurricane Bill, Bill passed by Florida sometime I think during the night and according to the news media we were going to be blessed with surf, swells and possible water erosion. Great day for Blowing Rocks I thought, we checked the tide table and planned to head over to the park near high tide, while loading the car we thought we would take the boogie boards to the beach after wards and ride some waves, we opted to leave the surf board home. When we got to Blowing Rocks entrance however the women working there said no it wasn't a good day to see the rocks, so back in the car and we head to the beach instead, we got out and walked up the bridge to check out the ocean before unloading the car. good thing because the ocean was flat, not a wave in sight. Back in the car we decided that snorkeling was a better choice for the day we drove home to change beach equipment. Back to Jupiter beach and we get our gear out and into the water we go only to discover that it's not that clear, kind of murky, no visibility. Back in the car we drive over to Coral Cove - the rocky beach - and decide to give it a try. Finally we are where we need to be for the moment anyway, we swim around the rocky area, see some fish and as we are leaving notice the waves are picking up a bit. NO we are not going back with the boogie boards.

A Whale Tale

2009-08-18T07:59:00.001-07:00

We heard it on the 8:00 morning news first, a beached whale just down from the Juno pier, "hey! that's by us" I thought so Blake and I jumped in the car and followed the helicopter it the sky, then we located the news equipment and parked our car (good location too).

We watched as they worked to keep the whale cool
with wet towels and buckets of ocean watersometimes the police would move the rope to make more room for the whale
sometimes they would yell at swimmers to get out of the water.
sometimes they asked us on lookers to search the water for the mother whale
Home Depot brought in more buckets and shade contraptions which the rescue workers would continually move to keep the shade on the whale.

Blake and I had to leave before the end, we were burning in the morning sun but we heard that they were concidering moving the whale to a facility in Stuart. We also heard that the Vets were accessing the whales condition before they made a decission.
We were also told to get out of the water as whales attract sharks.

Windy Day Hair problems

2009-08-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

Taking pictures on a windy day can be a problem

whether your hair is long

or not

GOING HOME

2009-07-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Monday July 13 Jordyn and Judi left for a road trip to Colorado. Jordyn took the first leg of the trip driving for 5 hours through Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, Judi took over the wheel somewhere in South or North Carolina and drove for an additional 5 hours covering North Carolina, and entering Tennessee.

Jordyn, having a strong desire to drive through the Smoky Mountains, commandeered the driving position and had her first mountain driving experience. We drove through Knoxville and stayed our first night somewhere in Tennessee sharing our motel with some of the loveliest creatures.

Tuesday we drove in Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and into Independence Missouri. We caught the midnight showing of harry Potter that night and took a long time leaving Wednesday morning, we went to see Liberty Jail and then headed out of Missouri, through Kansas and finally into Colorado. we decided we wanted to arrive home in the day light so we spent the night in Limon Colorado and drove into Elizabeth Thursday morning.

Can't express enough the joy we have felt being here at our home in Colorado, I hope we never forget how happy we are here or what a beautiful piece of land we have. Mowing the fields, smelling the rain, camp fire, simple things but wonderful to us. Neighbors and friends.

Picked dad up at the airport Thursday night. Cleaned the yard on Friday, including moving wood debris and borrowing the neighbors tractor to mow fields.

Stained the deck and other things

and painted railings Saturday we had Uncle Mike to help us. (thank goodness, he is so good and we are so clueless, sometimes) cleared more weeds, used Uncle Mikes pressure washer to clean house, fixed faucets to the washer.

Sunday was church, we saw a lot of people we miss. Said goodbye to Uncle Mike and Lauren.

had dinner at Christiansens with the Yate's family.
Monday more yard work, had a fire and roasted marshmallows, Jordyn slept over at Christiansens.

Tuesday we took some time to play.
No not swings - serious playATV's at the Brinkworths

Later Natalie and Doug brought the boys out and we had some more fun.

Wednesday, July 22, Jordyn and I went to the library and caught up on Internet stuff while Kent went golfing with Nathan and Randy.

Thursday - went water skiing with Doug and family boat, Kent had a great ride and even though he was worried what water skiing would do to his golf swing he still was a bit of a show off. Jordyn tried really hard to get up on one ski but the ski was always stuck in the rope. She enjoyed a wild tube ride though.

James loved the water, he went on 2 tube rides and even fell in the water and didn't seem to mind. We went back to Elizabeth and continued to work on the house. Natalie has all the pictures for this event.

Friday July 24- Natalie and James had the flu so we didn't see them, I would say that we worked in the yard all day and went to East Cafe for dinner - still the best wanton soup and sesame chicken ever.
but that is not exactly true while I may have been home slaving a way in the yard Kent and Jordyn had another adventure. They climbed a fourteen er named Mt. Bernstat.

Saturday - Worked on house, Natalie and family came out, James still not eating or feeling well, played hard though and had a good time, James took a bath hot.

Sunday - went to church, enjoyed seeing everyone again, showing off my grandsons, James went to nursery, Michael slept through all three meetings. Natalie's family left for the Allen's again. we had Edwards and Yates over to roast marshmallows.
Took Kent to airport at midnight - Jordyn threw up when we got home - before she got in the house.

Monday - spent day making plans for finishing work, Jordyn not a 100% yet. Going to dinner with Kristen at Buffalo Boyd s.

Tuesday, July 28, Natalie stayed a few extra days in Colorado, she spent Monday with Doug's family and then came out on Tuesday to help us continue on the inside of the house. She has experience now that she is married to builder Doug.
First plan of attack. paint the trim from cinnamon red to pleasant white.

Jordyn's door is removed from the hinges.

I'm on the entertainment committee

While the white trim is drying we tape and paint the back bedroom.
While taping we found a couple of bb's embedded in the wall. Any guesses on who would shoot a gun in the house?

This is all the painting we didn't get done with the first can of paint.

no pictures of the finished girls room or now known as the "green" room.

Blake arrived from Idaho late Wednesday night. He may have missed out on most of the painting but he was a huge help everywhere else, including replacing a insinkerator, fixing a belt on the lawn mower, cleaning the gutters and the chimney, chopping wood, digging up cactus and a bunch of stuff I am sure I have forgotten.
It seemed to be somewhat rainy the week that Natalie and the boys were here but on the last morning as she was packing up and getting ready to go we had a bit of sun shine and James was at last alowed to go and play outside.
Auntie Jo took him out and he ran freely mud-lucious and puddle wonderful as any two year old could be, but not to last...James tripped and fell and where did he fall? right in a cactus.he was very snuggly with Auntie Jo for a little while.
Blake, Jordyn and I continue to work hard through the weekend and into Monday as well.
Monday August 3 was Jordyn's last day in Colorado so she and Blake invited friends over for a little Capture the Flag. I invited some friends of my own for a little hot dog and Marshmellow roast. All in all I count over 35 people running around our place that night and I think everyone had a good time. I know I did.

Jordyn flew out early Tuesday morning. Blake and I finished up all we could and left for Florida Thursday morning. We drove for 3 days back tracking the same route Jordyn and I took without the Liberty Jail detour.

Other pictures we took around the place that we would like to share.

Lauren discovered this humming bird next in our big maple tree.
I was trying to take a picture of the Holly Hocks when this
humming bird flew right in the picture.
Gypsy was really happy to be back in Colorado. But I think she developed allergy's
Gypsy had a bad hair day
(static electricity)
Driving through the Smoky's Blake and I made a detour to see wild animals, (not on purpose) we got stuck in a long line of sight seeing people and didn't even get to see what they were all looking at as this ranger broke up things so we could start moving again.

Coming as soon as I can figure out how to set it up.
vote for
She thinks my tractors sexy

21 Days and Nights

2009-06-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

When Natalie announced that she was pregnant I scheduled my flight to come and help, I panned it around the due date and my departure for after when I thought the blessing would occur. It wasn't until I was booking a car rental that I realized the trip was a total of 20 1/2 days. WOW! So far I have had a great time and been very busy. I spent 2 nights with my parents, looked for pictures of my childhood and went to dinner at the sizzler. On the way to Idaho I stopped and spent a couple of hours with my granddaughters, Myra and Lexi then finished the drive to Idaho where I spent the next 10 days playing with James at the parks and zoo and cuddling Michael whenever I could.

Sunday, May 31, after church and after a delicious dinner I left for Logan Utah planning on spending time at my most favorite place - Bear Lake - with my granddaughters, this was not to be. My son Chad had had some stomach pains for a couple of days so Monday morning he went to see a doctor and ended up in the hospital with appendicitis. Needless to say the trip to Bear Lake was canceled but I have spent some great time with the girls anyway.

Catching Up:About Jordyn

2009-06-03T15:44:00.001-07:00

BEING FUNNY

Picture photo shoot inspired by TV show America's next top model. (we were in a crazy mood)

THE ONE THAT I LOVE

Jordyn's choir had their variety show this month the theme was 50's music focusing on music from the movie Grease.

New Hair Style

(side note: Jordyn was voted "Best Hair" by all the choir 2 years in a row - the first year she was Best Personality)

GRADUATION

May 19, 2009 Jordyn graduated from High School

After we went to breakfast at the Breakers hotel
We rented a boat and drove around the intercoastal
Brandon and Ali joined us but Gypsy enjoyed the ride the most.
We finished up the celebration with dinner at a new restaurant

VISIT WITH MIKE AND TERI

2009-05-07T02:49:00.000-07:00

Our first day with Mike and Teri included a tour of Jupiter island, a walk on Juno pier and a golf game. The boys in one cart and the girls in the other. Teri and I had way more fun then the boys. we then drove to Old Town Stuart and walked through a few of the shops and ate pizza at Luna's.
Mike received a call from home during the night and needed to return home for a family emergency. we were really sad to let him go.

Before Mike left we went to the beach to see the sun rise.

after the good byes Teri and I headed down to Alligator alley. we started at Shark Valley.
again the water was really low and the sun was hot so we didn't see to many alligators and only in the water.

If you look close you can see the babies in this picture.

After we drove down the street and went on an air boat ride.

Friday - road trip to St Augustine. Supposedly the oldest settlement in the United States. (Spanish people lived here before the pilgrims came)

St. Augustine's Light house

entrance
219 stairs each way
Looking up

looking down

on top

the view

oldest school house

Flaggler community college

old grave yard

Dinner at Harry's

Cool street, trees growing across with Spanish moss hanging from the branches
cute house on street

State wild flower

Saturday With Teri
Teri and I started the day off on Conch Bar. we saw the usual conch and star fish but we also so thumb nail size baby conch, lots of them and then we saw a squid we didn't have our camera.
Kent joined us and we went to the beach for some sun.
Teri, Jordyn and I visited the Jupiter light house.

Look to the left you can see the moon.

we climbed 34 steps to the light house door then another 105 stairs to the observation deck.

the water was extremely blue today.

Monday was Teri's last day with us so we filled the day with activities.
first on the list was the Luci Lock. What is a Lock you may ask. Well it is a way to transport boats from one body of water to another while controlling the flow and level of water. The Luci Lock is one of four locks allowing boats to travel from the Atlantic ocean to the Gulf crossing the state rather going around.

this is an empty lock

sail boat waiting to go east through the lockfirst one boat is going west. notice the water level in the lock

boat in, east gate closed, west gate opens enough to allow water to fill lock
when water in the lock is the same level as the west side the gate will open and allow the little boat out.

boats now going east can enter the lock

three boats going east. notice the water level now.
the west gate will close and the east gate will open slowly allowing water out. when the water level is again even with the water on the east side the gate will open and allow the boats out.

In the afternoon Teri and I also went to the Johnathan Dickinson park down the road and took the tour boat to Trapper Nelsons. Here are a few of the critters we saw on the way.

TURTLE LAUNCH, LIBBY LAUNCH, OR FREE LIBBY

we stopped by the turtle refuge place mostly to check out the gift shop. I made the mistake of leaving my camera in the car thinking that I have done this place so much there really wasn't any reason to bring it. Wrong. when we were looking at the turtles we were informed that they would be releasing Libby into the ocean. These pictures are from Teri's camera but neither of us were familiar enough with the camera to risk a video. It would have been great but here is the event chronicled in pictures.

I was amazed it only took 2 of them to catch and lift Libby out of the tank.

turtles always have to go potty when they leave the tank

They weighed her, 89 lbs. and they measured her in every direction.

They scrubbed al the algae off of her as this is not part of the ocean life

then they strapped her to a wooden gurney board for transport

carried her to the ocean side

and let her find her way

That's it. We'll plan new stuff for the next trip. hope it's soon. We love to have company.

Catching Up or Old Stuff

2009-04-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

I never finished blogging about Chad's family visit and since then a lot more has happened that I am sure I will not remember to share. I thought I would try to go through pictures and see what happens.

Saturday beach pictures

Sunday we went to the rocky beach to catch the space shuttle launch

watching the launch

the shuttle in flightthe shuttle looks different on video

This first video Brandon gets a good ride

The next two videos make to to the Hall of Funny Videos.
In this video Jordyn gets up on her board and then casually fixes her shirt and I forget to stop the camera.

Brandon's ride is cut short

Conch Bar

2009-04-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

When you come to visit us you will remember that we have an access to the inter coastal with our own little dock and path to the water. We keep the scouts canoe here and go out occasionally and enjoy the water way. These last few months (March and April) we have also gone out to the sand bar that appears at low tied and found many sea creatures.
I have added in this blog several pictures of our findings but another exciting bit of information I learned just this week is that our little stretch of sand actually has an official name and you can actually look it up on the internet to find tide information and such. The name is Conch Bar and that is what we discover a lot of on the bar of sand is little conch in their little shells.

this is a picture taken when Chad and his family were visiting in March.

Blake's visit in April
I call this picture Mod Squad

This guy shoots water at you as a defense. I have a video but I don't have the camera so I will post videos later

Star Fish - we would find about a dozen in our short walks.

We think this is called a Sea Cucumber

and this is a Sea Urchin - upright and upside down

Yesterday Jordyn and a neighbor friend were playing on their surf boards and they came across this huge conch! the biggest we have ever seen in our water and you can see it is still alive and in desperate need of a bigger shell.

More Beach Pictures and More Beach

2009-04-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

While Blake was visiting we went to the beach several times. We had good waves and little waves and too big waves and no waves but we always had fun.

More Beach
While we were there they started adding beach to our beach. If you have ever been with us to Jupiter inlet beach this is happening in front of the lifeguard hut just over from the inter coastal where the surfers like to ride.

this "barge is in the inter coastal and it moves up and down supposedly sucking up the sand from the bottom.

then these pipes run the distance from the inter coastal to where they want to put the sand. about a 1/2 a mile or more.
it blows out of the pipe and then tractors move it and smooth it.

More Beach Pictures

This is not the worst day we tried to boogie board but you get an idea of how big the waves are. here Blake is Helping Jordyn.

Jordyn had a good ride

Blake and Jordyn have mastered control of their boogie boards and spend a lot of time trying to run each other down.

Tie Dying

2009-04-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks Natalie for the lead. Dying eggs this way was fun.

method found on goodyblog .com
wrap egg in silk tie, wrap egg and tie in white t-shirt type rag, use rubber band to hold in place. put egg in pan, cover with water at a couple of glugs of vinegar. Cover and bring to boil turn down and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from hot water and allow to cool before removing fabric.

AS YOU WISH

2009-03-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

Here is a close up of the sign as you requested

Also here is a picture of Mom's car

LOOK WHO'S 50

2009-03-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Before

and after

Why are the candles completely destroyed? watch this video for the answer

Five attempts to finish the song and that doesn' include the laughing fits inbetween

My second chance to get my wish